Five Alarming Aches You Must Not Overlook
Nobody likes dealing with pain, but it plays a crucial role in our body’s warning system. Pain is our body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s wrong here!” It helps us avoid dangers like touching a hot stove, walking without shoes outside, or being more cautious about our surroundings.
However, pain isn’t just about accidents or minor mishaps. Sometimes it can indicate more serious health issues. While many types of pain are temporary and go away on their own, certain pains shouldn’t be ignored and require urgent medical attention.
Here are five types of pain you should never ignore:
1. **The Worst Headache of Your Life**
If you experience a sudden, intense headache that feels like your skull is splitting, get medical help immediately. While it might just be a sinus infection or a cold, it could also be something more severe like a brain hemorrhage or a tumor. A severe headache can be a symptom of a brain aneurysm and needs prompt attention.
2. **Discomfort or Pain in the Abdomen, Arm, Shoulder, Jaw, Throat, or Chest**
Chest pain or discomfort can signify serious health issues like a heart attack or pneumonia. Often, early signs of heart trouble appear as discomfort instead of sharp pain. People having a heart attack might feel a heavy pressure on their chest rather than intense pain. Additionally, heart attack symptoms can show up as pain in other areas such as the arm, shoulder, neck, throat, or jaw. Women, in particular, might not feel chest pain at all and could instead experience nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. If you have unexplained discomfort in these areas, seek medical attention right away.
3. **Pain in the Lower Back or Between the Shoulder Blades**
While pain in these areas often results from arthritis, it could also signal problems like an abdominal issue or a heart attack. A sudden back pain might indicate an aortic dissection, which is a tear in the aorta wall that can lead to internal bleeding. Those at higher risk include people who smoke, have diabetes, or suffer from circulation problems.
4. **Calf Pain**
Sharp, sudden pain in the calf can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. DVT affects around two million Americans annually and can be life-threatening if the clot moves to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. People at higher risk include those with cancer, diabetes, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those who are bedridden.
5. **Burning Legs or Feet**
About 25% of the 27 million Americans with diabetes remain undiagnosed, reports the American Diabetes Association. A tingling or burning sensation in the legs or feet might indicate nerve damage, a common diabetes symptom. If you often feel these sensations, it’s time to consult a doctor.
Remember, while pain is a helpful alert system, certain types demand immediate medical attention. Stay alert and take action when necessary for your health.
